Artist Statement: Final Project

The recent events here at the Pennsylvania State University have brought out the extremes on the emotional scale for everyone. Standing right in the center of all the swirling controversy has been Joe Paterno. Many people that live on the outside pointed fingers and placed blame on a man with a golden reputation. It's made me realize more than ever that this lifestyle and passion for my school is something that cannot merely be explained. It's just something that those on the outside will never understand. That idea is the basis for this book. I wanted to create a collection of reflections on what one man really meant to this community. Perhaps in some way, this work can give just a glimpse of understanding to those on the outside and also be a fond remembrance to those who really experienced being in the presence of a legend. Coach Paterno's reputation has in no way been tarnished for me and I can only do this small favor to honor his legacy.